Summertime is a great time to get out on the water and enjoy a day of boating. However, it’s important to remember that fires can happen on boats. This blog post will discuss some fire safety tips for boat owners. Fire can quickly spread on boats, so it’s essential to be prepared and know what to do if a fire breaks out. Keep these tips in mind this boating season, and stay safe on the water!
The United States Coast Guard recommends that recreational boat owners carry a certain number of portable fire extinguishers. So, this boating season, make sure you have at least one two-pound fire extinguisher onboard boats under 26 feet. For boats between 26 and 40 feet, there should be at least two (2) 2 lb. fire extinguishers or one 2.5 lb.
The type of fire extinguisher you use on your boat is crucial. Electrical accidents cause many boat fires, but that is not always the case. Selecting an ABC fire extinguisher will guarantee that fires can be effectively put out. This way, you will be secure while boating.
Boat fires are often started in the galley, engine compartment, or electrical panels. Given this knowledge, it’s not surprising that so many boating fires are caused by gasoline and electrical systems. Most boat fires are caused by problems with 12-volt DC electricity systems connected with batteries or engines kept within the engine room.
Poorly kept wiring in an enclosed space with gasoline or diesel fuel is a typical cause of fires. Overloaded outlets and faulty plugs can create deadly circumstances. Cooling system failures and the resulting overheated engines are additional causes of fire.
Every month, conduct a visual inspection of all portable fire extinguishers on your ship. Check the gauges to ensure that the extinguishers are fully charged, that the seals are intact, and that the hoses are in good shape. If necessary, recharge or replace used firefighting equipment.
To remove any dry chemical, remove the extinguishers from their holders and give them a good shake once a year. Have your fire suppression equipment serviced by a qualified expert fire specialist certified in marine fire-suppression systems once a year.
If you see or smell smoke, act quickly! Fire aboard a boat can spread rapidly and be difficult to control.
The first step is to get everyone off the boat as soon as possible. Fire on a boat can quickly fill the cabin with smoke, making it difficult to breathe. Once everyone is safely off the vessel, call 911 and alert the authorities.
Do not try to put out the fire yourself unless you are confident that you can do so safely. Remember that your safety is always the number one priority!
If you have a fire extinguisher, use it only if you are sure it will not endanger your safety. Never use water to extinguish a fire on a boat – this will only make things worse!
Want to make sure your fire extinguisher is working properly? Contact Fire-Alert today to see how we can help!